What are the main parts needed for a screen room?

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The main parts needed for adding a screen room to a home using an existing patio include the support frame, roof and screen mesh. For access to the outside, add a screen door. Adding roll-down shades helps to keep most of the rain out of the structure, and provides additional privacy and shade when necessary.

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Adding a screen room to a patio using a post-and-beam construction increases the usefulness of the area by keeping insects away, while the roof provides protection from the elements. While the room does not keep the cold away, it increases the usable living space of the home when outdoor temperatures are warm.

Because a screen room exposes the framework, the use of furniture-grade cedar provides a more finished look, but is also more expensive. While it is possible to build the frame using pressure-treated lumber, this type of construction leaves the imperfections visible.

Building a freestanding screen room that butts against the house, but does not attach to it, means the structure is subject to less stringent regulations than building an attached screen room. However, check with local building authorities about any required permits before beginning the process. With the post-and-beam walls, the builder sets the posts in holes adjacent to the patio for supporting the structure. Cover the roof with canvas instead of sheathing and shingles to reduce costs and eliminate the need for advanced levels of skills.